An Australian couple are suing travel company Scenic Tours after spending their entire life savings on a European river cruise, only for their trip to be disrupted by heavy flooding.

David Moore and Janette Howell, from New South Wales, splashed out AUS$26,200 (around £13,528/$20,000) on what they expected to be a relaxing journey through the picturesque French and German countryside.

However, heavy rain caused extensive flooding in the region, meaning many cruise ships were unable to operate and instead passengers were given a 'second-rate' coach tour, according to the couple.

David Moore and Janette Howell are leading a class action law suit after their river boat cruise was rained out

The couple claim they were forced to spend hours on 'cheap, second-rate' coaches, including one without a working toilet or air conditioning, according to the Sydney Morning Herald.

They also allege they missed out on much of the promised sightseeing, as well as an expensive, luxury river cruise experience, due to the heavy rainfall in April and May 2013.

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The Rhine, Saone, Rhone and Danube rivers rose so high during that period that cruise ships were unable to operate for six weeks. The cancellations affected tours from Amsterdam to Budapest, Amsterdam to Basel, and along Southern France.

In spring 2013, heavy rainfall caused the Rhone river to rise, rendering all cruise boats unable to operate

The 1,300 people travelled with Scenic Tours and Evergreen Tours between May 10, 2013 and June 14, 2013, will all be invited to join the class action law suit.

Mr Moore, a school teacher, is leading the group, claiming that Scenic Tours did not give passengers any warning about the scheduling changes due to weather.

Suffering from chronic back pain, Mr Moore said that there was 'no way' that he would have booked a sightseeing bus tour.

River cruises on the Danube (pictured), Saone and Rhine suffered from a similar fate during that period

According to the claim, Scenic Tours allegedly breached Australian Consumer Law by failing to cancel or delay the cruises, offer alternative tours, or warn of expected disruptions.

Instead of spending nights aboard the luxurious ships, travellers were expected to stay in 'low-budget hotels.'

Somerville Legal, a firm in Sydney, is leading the law suit, after its founding partner and his wife were passengers on a cruise in Southern France that began on May 19, 2013.

So far, more than 120 people have signed up to be a part of the class action suit.

Scenic Tours, the tour operator, allegedly did not warn passengers of the disruption nor offer them alternatives

Cruises in Southern France were also forced off the river for several weeks in May and June 2013

However, Scenic Tours is defending its decisions, claiming it ensured that all guests received the 'highest-quality service and travel experience' despite the unforeseen circumstances.

According to the tour company, terms and conditions of the contract allowed for them to make changes to itineraries, such as in circumstances due to weather conditions.